Two Words: Thank You

A simple Thank You goes a very long way...

Why is it so difficult for people to express 2 simple words; Thank You?  Growing up, we were indoctrinated early on the importance of a simple thank you. Not only was my mother always giving someone a gift, she was also a huge thank you person; said you could never express it enough for a kind deed. And mom’s thank you was quick, not weeks or months after the fact. I have come across my share of thankless people and have decided that they do not deserve a repeat performance. I mean really, do we honestly feel that important, that busy, that consumed with whatever, that they not only miss the value in saying a proper thanks, but are that unappreciative?

I am sure some would argue it’s not that people aren’t grateful, they just forget… Well how about us considerate, thoughtful, giving people just forget your birthday, or your kid’s birthday, or your wedding, promotion, anniversary, or your kid’s graduation gift? And for those of you who chose to chirp and say one shouldn’t focus on the recipient’s actions but rather on giving from the heart, bologna! If I take my time, energy, and my money to select a gift just for you, that is giving from the heart and then, I want a simple thank you. You don’t have to publish it or announce it to the world, just acknowledge appreciation.

Grown folk are not the only culprits of this la la attitude. Who do children learn their manners from…? Hellooooo! Teach your children to say thank you. When my son receives a birthday gift or is recognized with a gift for any reason, he understands that he is to express a verbal thank you as well as write a simple thank you note. He just turned 13 and understands this has been a house rule for years - you can't wait until they are 17 to begin teaching good manners. Hopefully this courtesy will follow him throughout his personal and professional adult life.

If you are fortunate enough to be the beneficiary of a gift or kind deed, remember to go out of your way to express a humble “thank you” and let's teach our children to do the same.